I read somewhere that washing your feathers with a mild soap like Dawn will bring life to your hackle and other feathers, making then look better and so making better looking flies. Do you guys do this, or is it just another fairy tale?

I can see a good reason for it if the feathers have poop on them, but other than that, I don’t know if that is something I may want to do.

Thanks guys for your opinions. I also want to add that washing a hackle cape does make the flies look nicer because it does seem to (fluff up) the feathers, giving them bounce and shine. :D. Just kidding. I did learn the hard way that cleaning them is one thing, you will get more dirt and stuff out of a cape by doing this. But….drying the cape is another story. Some people do it with a hair drier, some just hang the cape up till it’s dry. But here’s a problem with all that. You better be sure it dries completely or it will mold.

Bat-fly, in more detail, there are feathers that work better for dry fly hackle like rooster capes. Hen capes are softer and work better for soft hackled flies or for wings because their tips are a little more rounded. There are parts of feathers that work for tails, but fur works good for tails too.

Not all feathers work as well as other feathers for every purpose. Peacock herl works great for bodies of a fly, or putting on a collar next to the hackle feathers near the eye of the hook.

Being new to this sport, and not knowing much, and you living near the Poudre, maybe you and I can meet up this coming spring before the run off, or after, and I will be glad to give you a little help to get you started. I’ll be happy to teach you the basics and not so much that will blow you mind out in one day. Your choice.

Avoid parachute Bald Eagle emergers. Stay away from Blue Heron CDC duns. The Trumpeter Swan Cripple might not be a good idea. I used to tie from hummingbirds that crashed into my house window at Mach 2.

But I think if there’s a season on it, or its not protected, its fair game for feather possession. Follow hunting regulations for possession.